The LDA governing body on Saturday approved new development schemes costing more than Rs1 billion.

The meeting was chaired by DCO Noorul Amin Mengal, the ex-officio LDA chairman.

The meeting approved the development of infrastructure at the LDA Avenue 1 Housing Scheme at a cost of Rs985.95 million. Some of the land in the scheme has been recently retrieved from encroachers.

A wider service road along Khayaban-i- Firdousi from Shauq Chowk to Southern Bypass in Johar Town will be built at a cost of Rs102 million. The construction of a bridge over Sattukatla Drain near Chandni Chowk in Quaid-i-Azam Town will cost Rs39.455 million.

Rs9.32 million will be paid in compensation for 12 structures acquired near Kharak in Sabzazar Scheme to widen Multan Road.

The meeting also decided to adopt the provincial government’s financial rules. A notification was issued allowing a special allowance to LDA employees who having MS or MPhil degrees at half the rate for PhD holders.

The meeting allowed addition of 20 kanals 16 marlas 80 sqft land to a private university situated at Khayban-i-Jinnah upon payment of the commercialisation fee.

The meeting also approved the proposal of construction of a signal-free junction at Qartaba Chowk on Ferozepur Road